California Dream Act

What is the California DREAM Act?The California DREAM Act is the result of two laws, Assembly Bill 130 (AB 130) and Assembly Bill 131 (AB 131) that were passed in 2011. Together, these bills allow undocumented and documented students who meet certain provisions of AB 540 law (see below) to apply for and receive several types of financial aid:

The California DREAM Act students do not file FAFSA - but instead pursue financial aid eligibility through the California Dream Act Application (https://dream.csac.ca.gov).

Note: If you have a valid Social Security Number, are a US Citizen, and a resident of California, then you cannot complete the California Dream Act Application.

Students with a valid Social Security Number should complete the FAFSA. Click here to acccess the FAFSA website.

What is an AB 540 student?Assembly Bill 540 is a California state law that allows students who meet certain requirements to pay in-state tuition fees at any California community college. AB 540 students are exempt from paying non-resident enrollment fees, if they meet all of the following criteria:

• Attended a California high school for at least three years;• Graduated from a California high school, earned a GED, or passed the California High School Proficiency Exam;• Are registered or enrolled at a California community college; AND• In the case of students without legal immigration status, complete an affidavit saying they have filed (or will file when they are eligible to do so) for legal immigration status (and not hold a valid non-immigrant visa such as visas F, J, H, and L).